Chenery and Diamond streets, Glen Park, S.F.: Shops selling books, sweets and practical wares, snug restaurants, intimate cafes, a small library, carefully restored homes perched on its undulating landscape and a canyon in which to hike make this neighborhood feel more like a village.

1. Bird & Beckett

653 Chenery St.: Eric Whittington's independent bookstore is both an inviting place to browse shelves stocked with used and new fiction and nonfiction titles and a community gathering place. His literary knowledge is extensive, and he hosts poets, novelists and musicians. (415) 586-3733. www.birdbeckett.com.

3. Glen Park library

2825 Diamond St.: The Glen Park library is small, quiet and contemporary; the branch opened in October 2007 after a renovation that created a designated teen space and an expanded children's area. It offers free Wi-Fi and access to desktop computers and lends laptops for in-library use to San Francisco Public Library card holders. (415) 355-2858. www.sfpl.org.

4. Bello Coffee & Tea

2885 Diamond St.: Bello changes its coffee every 15 to 30 minutes, and each new batch is sampled to confirm its quality. It also roasts the beans for all of its regular and organic coffees, which range from Brazil Santos to Ethiopia Yirgacheffe. (415) 585-3457. www.bellocoffee.com.